Time Venables was exposed to the higher level, think we can cover Butler without losing much down back.

B : Wellingham - Barrass - YeoHB : Hurn - McGovern - Sheppard

Would that have an impact on being able to free up Yeo to play through the middle? Or potentially Hurn/Shep pushing up the ground. I can't see Butler being dropped, despite not setting the world on fire. Hill had an average game.

I'm all for continuing with Duggan, very promising player. Despite putting on some KGs in the off season though he still seems undersize and get's pushed off the ball too easily. I wouldn't be surprised to see him dropped down the track for another youngster to get a crack.

I think any changes this week will be on balance.

Very minimal impact if any. Butler is only used as an outlet kick under extreme circumstances. He doesn't win his own ball, doesn't take any contested marks and only 9 disposals for the game. Mitchell is dropping back in defence for the majority of the game as is Masten. Mutimer could use his pace down back and Nelson will probably take his position after the bye. I just think it's important to get game time into Venables now rather than leaving him in the WAFL and waiting for an injury.

Not sure why you'd take out our small defender when we're playing a team with 3 dangerous small forwards - Fantasia, Green and Mcdonald-T.

I do like the idea of bringing in Venables - but should be in Mutimer's spot as a small forward

I can live with Nelson for Butler. Would like to keep Mutimer to give him a good run but Cripps (if really 100%) is currently our best defensive small forward and has to fit in somehow.Afl.com talk about Petrie being a maybe. I cannot see what he offers over what McInnes did in the last match. Or Vardy for that matter. Or Giles if we drop one of them.

I can live with Nelson for Butler. Would like to keep Mutimer to give him a good run but Cripps (if really 100%) is currently our best defensive small forward and has to fit in somehow.Afl.com talk about Petrie being a maybe. I cannot see what he offers over what McInnes did in the last match. Or Vardy for that matter. Or Giles if we drop one of them.

Finally we are starting to have some legit selection options, which is a welcome change. Pressure on guys in the team to perform, rather than just "oh fuck ... another one has gone down! who we got left that's healthy to chuck into the team??"

I'm holding out hope based on the fact the Eagles made a point of releasing highlights of Mutimer in the WAFL the few days before he made his debut... and now they've done the same thing with Venables. A debut back in Melbourne in front of his parents... could be ideal.

The kid is a ready made AFL player... only lack of fitness could be keeping him out. Can't wait to see him debut.

Total Package wrote:So any chance at all that Daniel Venables gets a game?

I'm holding out hope based on the fact the Eagles made a point of releasing highlights of Mutimer in the WAFL the few days before he made his debut... and now they've done the same thing with Venables. A debut back in Melbourne in front of his parents... could be ideal.

The kid is a ready made AFL player... only lack of fitness could be keeping him out. Can't wait to see him debut.

I agree. He looks like getting an opportunity this year. I'm not sure his fitness is quite there yet, but barring injuries, I expect that he will debut soon. Looks a ripper.

I'm loving the injection of youth this year, all of the young kids we've tried out so far are starting to grow in stature. Bodes well especially when you factor in Venables, Watson and Rioli who haven't even had games yet. As for the game against Essendon this is a real danger game for us especially as we cop GWS the week after. The next two weeks are crucial for us in terms of top four. Sweep this fortnight headed into the bye and we are in the box seat.

However strong or fast or skilled a knight is there are others who can match him. A man will win one tournament and fall quickly in the next. A slick spot on the grass may mean defeat, or what you had for supper the last night. A change in the wind may mean victory. George R. R. Martin.

With both Vardy and McInnes in the starting lineup why even name Petrie? Surely there is no way we would play all three?Nelson is the natural for Butler but also a starter.That leaves Redden, Wellingham, Cripps, Hill and Mutimer. I would suggest either Hill or Mutimer will miss out with Hill being my preference.

With both Vardy and McInnes in the starting lineup why even name Petrie? Surely there is no way we would play all three?Nelson is the natural for Butler but also a starter.That leaves Redden, Wellingham, Cripps, Hill and Mutimer. I would suggest either Hill or Mutimer will miss out with Hill being my preference.

Butler is named in the starting 22 so he will play.

Mutimer will miss for CrippsPetrie will not play (Vardy and McInnes are in the starting 22)Nelson will come in for Wellingham